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A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

To view photos of this breed please visit the Kennel Club Picture Library

Interim

General Appearance
Medium size, balanced, well muscled and agile, with erect ears and a curled or sickle tail.

Characteristics
Keen expression, showing strength and alertness, yet dignified. Originally used for hunting and guarding.

Temperament
Spirited, brave, with strong hunting instinct. Loyal to their owner.

Head and Skull
Of medium size and in proportion to the body. When viewed from above, head forms a blunt triangle without coarseness. Free of wrinkle. Definite stop, which should not be abrupt, and a slight furrow extending over the forehead. Cheeks moderately developed but without loose skin. Muzzle straight, of moderate depth. Ratio of nose to stop and stop to occiput is 2 to 3. Lips tight and black. In white dogs, flesh colour is permissible on nose and lips.

Eyes  
Relatively small, almond shaped, obliquely set and placed well apart.  Dark brown, clear and bright.

Ears
Medium size, triangular in shape, thick and perfectly erect.  Set neither high nor low, inclining slightly forward in line with the back of the neck.

Mouth
Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck
Slightly arched, medium length, thick and muscular, without dewlap.

Forequarters
Shoulders strong, powerful, moderately laid back. Elbows set close to the body. Forelegs straight and parallel when viewed from the front. Pasterns slightly sloping.

Body
Slightly longer, measured from point of shoulder to point of buttock, than height at withers. Level back, ribs well sprung with well developed brisket. Firmly muscled loin. Moderate tuck up.

Hindquarters
Strong and muscular, well developed thighs with moderate turn of stifle. Hocks strong and well let down, but with only moderate angulation, turning neither in nor out.

Feet
Cat like, very tight. Pads thick and well cushioned, turning neither in nor out. Nails strong, preferably black. 

Tail
In balance with the body. Set on high, thick and carried curled or curved as a sickle. Profusely feathered.

Gait/Movement
Resilient and vigorous with strides of moderate length. At the trot, the back remains firm and level. Head carried high, but as pace increases the head is sometimes carried lower, almost at the level of the shoulders.

Coat
Outer coat coarse, straight and standing off the body with soft, dense undercoat. Coat at neck, withers and rump slightly longer than on the rest of the body. Hair on tail and thighs more profuse.

Colour
Red in various shades from deepest red to pale fawn; may have fainter markings on muzzle, cheeks, chest, belly and back.

White: may have gold tinges on ears and legs.

Black and tan: tan markings restricted to spot over each eye, cheeks, inside of ears, legs and tail.

Size
Dogs 48-53 cms (19-20 ¾ ins). Ideally 51 cms (20 ins). Bitches 46-51 cms (18-20 ins). Ideally 48 cms (19 ins).

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last updated - January 2009

Glossary of Canine Terms

Health Information

The Kennel Club operates health screening schemes with other organisations.  Some are clinical veterinary screening schemes and some are DNA screening schemes, which may be relevant to this breed.

The current health screening requirements and recommendations for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders of this breed show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by an Accredited Breeder.

Breed specific summary results from the Purebred Dog Health Survey in 2004 are available.  Individual summaries are only available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards Containing full descriptive standards for 192 breeds, as well as representation for the six Kennel Club recognised breeds that are currently without standards, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must for all dog enthusiasts. This third edition has been completely revised and updated by a panel of experts and incorporates the very latest standards for breeds in each group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

TBC

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